May 22, 2002
Jason Kafoury, Democracy Rising (203) 562-5000

Rally to "Revitalize the Grassroots" in Connecticut

New Haven: Sunday, June 30th, Ralph Nader will bring his "People Have the Power Tour" to the New Haven Coliseum (concert capacity 5,000-8,000) to support public financing of elections, the Yale union organizing effort, environmental protection, living wages, and universal health care in Connecticut.

"The purpose of these events this year is to bring people together in cities across America, which is especially critical now," said Nader, the 2000 Green Party Presidential Candidate. "Progressive people in Connecticut must work together. Civil liberties for all Americans are at risk in Congress and the Executive Branch. While we mourn the victims of last fall's terrible tragedies, we will honor their memory by working together to ensure that the values of democracy, law enforcement, respect for human rights and the protection of all innocent people prevail here both at home and around the world."

Internationally acclaimed singer/songwriter Patti Smith and her band, along with other national entertainers, special guest performers, and local speakers working for progressive social change will be joining Nader during the event.

New Haven is the 11th stop of the 2001-02 season on this nationwide tour. The tour began in Portland, Oregon, on August 4, 2001, where more than 7,500 people attended the rally. Since Portland, the tour has packed venues in San Francisco, Phoenix, Boston, Cleveland, Toledo, Austin, Atlanta and Tampa. Nader likened this current tour to the "Super Rallies" he headlined during his bid for the Presidency in 2000. Those rallies filled nine major arenas, from Portland's Memorial Coliseum to New York's Madison Square Garden, with turnouts far larger than those of the major party candidates. This event is being sponsored by Nader's newest organization, Democracy Rising, which seeks to unify people "in the cause of freeing American politics from the grip of corporate interests," Nader said.

The rally at the New Haven Coliseum begins at 5:00 p.m. (doors open at 3:00 p.m.), Sunday, June 30. More than 100 Connecticut non-profit organizations will have information tables there to distribute literature and solicit signatures for a variety of progressive causes. General admission tickets are $10 advance, $15 at the door; children 12 and under are free. There will be a variety of entertainment for kids as well. Tickets are available online, over the phone, or at local stores throughout the region. For tickets, call 203-562-5000. If you are interested in volunteering, or for further event information, call Jason Kafoury at 203-562-5000. Also check out www.democracyrising.org for New Haven area upcoming events, past events, and more information on Democracy Rising.

WHAT: Ralph Nader's "People Have the Power Tour" to Revitalize the Grassroots in Connecticut.
Featuring: Patti Smith and her Band along with other National Entertainers and other Special Guest Performers TBA.

WHERE: NEW HAVEN COLISEUM, New Haven, CT. 275 S. Orange St.

WHEN: Sunday, June 30th, 2002 - 5:00 PM. Doors will open at 3:00 PM with live local music, kids entertainment, and informational tables.

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